Stockport based Lynx Taxis and Stockport Council are working with Electric Blue UK to demonstrate the benefits of going electric to private hire drivers.

Up to fifty private hire vehicles driven by Lynx Taxi drivers were invited to take part in the EVolve project, the data from which gives drivers the confidence that any concerns they may have around the feasibility of using an EV can be overcome with the real world data this process provides.

The data collected will show drivers, the taxi operators and the local authority the potential financial and environmental benefits of switching cars to less polluting electric vehicles. Drivers, driving normal shift patterns, are involved in the study and will be presented with their personalised data at the end of the trial.

The telematic devices fitted to vehicles use GPS technology and accurately calculate;

Total and daily mileage

Location and duration of idling events and when the vehicle is stationary

Emissions released (including CO2 and NOx)

The analysis provides evidence showing the best locations for suitable charging infrastructure to support the transition to electric taxi. By putting the right chargers in the right places, drivers can be assured that once they convert, they won’t have to go far to find a charge point if they need one, and by extrapolating the data, Electric Blue are able to show savings (economic and environmental) for the whole fleet.

“We are delighted that Lynx Taxis has shown such enthusiasm for this project and hope that it is a first step on the way to an electric powered taxi fleet in Stockport. Air pollution is an urgent public health issue resulting in the premature deaths of around 2,000 people in Greater Manchester alone. Only by working in partnership with business can this serious problem be addressed. ”

Ed Carman from Electric Blue UK said “Our EVolve fleet analysis demonstrates the financial and environmental benefit of going electric in a clear an tangible way to drivers and operators. We are delighted to be working with Stockport Council and Lynx taxis on this initiative.”

As a company we [Lynx Taxis] are keen to do our bit in tackling poor air quality and be on the forefront of new technologies. The interest of our drivers in this initiative has been positive.
A spokesman from Lynx Taxis